Jackson, MI – Stanley David (Inch) Kasprzycki, owner of Hankerd Hills Golf Course for 39 years, is this year’s inductee into the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame.
Kasprzycki will become the 63rd member of the Hall of Fame, and the first golf course owner, when he is inducted in ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Sharp Park Golf Course. The public is invited to attend the induction at no charge.
“What Dave and his family have done at Hankerd Hills has added tremendously to the growth and enjoyment of golf in Jackson County,” Hall of Fame chairman Gary Kalahar said. “What was little more than a quaint nine-hole resort course has been transformed into a facility that rightly takes its place among the finest in the area.”
When Kasprzycki bought Hankerd Hills in 1978, it was a nine-hole course with a small starter house, played primarily by Pleasant Lake area residents and visitors. Today, after what is believed to be the second-longest golf course ownership run in county history, Hankerd Hills boasts 27 holes, a large clubhouse/restaurant, and a golf season full of events.
In the early years of his ownership, Kasprzycki installed an irrigation system, purchased carts and built a clubhouse. In 1994, Hankerd Hills opened a new regulation nine holes, and another nine was opened in 1998 to give the course a full 18-hole layout in addition to the original nine. The clubhouse was doubled in size in 1995.
The result is a popular course for all golfers, especially for leagues and outings. In 2006, the Jackson Citizen Patriot named Hankerd Hills the county’s No. 1 course for outings. The course has helped many organizations raise money by hosting fund-raising outings. Hankert Hills is also home to the Leslie and Northwest high school golf teams.
(Courtesy Photo above)
